Hello, 2012! What can you do for me?

I don't really do resolutions, no one ever sticks to them and come the entry to the next year, you remember you didn't achieve what you'd hoped because we can't just change our lifestyles overnight - it's hard enough doing that for one thing, but I know people who set themselves about ten!

To-do list pad - boygirlparty on Etsy

Instead I like to set a few loose goals that are achievable and most importantly lead ultimately to fun!!

♥ I want to see more of the world #2
Bugger it! I'm going to say this every year!  I have a trip lined up, it's a bit of a secret at the moment as flights aren't booked and I still have a bit of research to do, but it's going to be amazing, one way or another!

♥ I'd like to eat better
Standard. I always gain weight over December because I am so busy and because I am mainly drinking cider, wine and spirits every night!  Also want to look good on my trips innit!  But this is about more than just weight loss. I want to try prioritise food shopping and cooking over less important things to ensure I don't end up on a toast diet!

♥ I want to take more (decent) photographs
I did a digital SLR photography course last year and bought a second hand DSLR camera.  I need to stop being scared of taking whacko photos and actually start taking some, and some might even be good enough to share with you (that's the plan)!

♥ I want to stay focussed
After dabbling in a few things in 2011 (ahem, a shop?!), come December I realised how much this took my eye off the ball. I missed a lot of opportunities whilst I shifted my focus.  Don't get me wrong, I am glad I did it. I learnt a lot about people, business, people in business, and lots of other things. Most importantly I learnt that design and independence is where my heart is and where it will stay!

♥ Excitement will be a priority
There used to be a time when people said to me on a regular basis things along the lines of 'You attract such weirdness into your life' (and not in a bad way!). When I say a regular basis, I'm talking 2-3 times a week.  This hasn't happened so much recently and that's not cool! I spent a good part of 2011 trying to make the right decisions - I'm just going to do what feels good in 2012.

xoxo

♥ Colourful ♥ Kitschy ♥ Funky ♥ Fun...

Add me on Twitter
Add me on Facebook

Celebrity seal of approval: The Broken Hearts

'Turntable goddesses' The Broken Hearts have given our Thunderbolt and Lightening Brooch their celebrity seal of approval!

The fashion folk say:

“The Broken Hearts lead a new wave of female DJ groups who look and sound great” - Elle

"Meet the she-jays - the new cool DJ girls whose style you'll be desperate to steal" - Grazia

"Turntable Goddesses Amber and Nisha are guaranteed to pull out a plethora of delights from both the DJ crate and the dressing-up box" - Time Out


The Broken Hearts say:

"We dress identically when we DJ, and always use our Broken Hearts for Hulger telephone handsets instead of headphones.  We've been booked for brands such as Selfridges, Tate, Topshop PPQ, Paul Smith... We've also appeared as fashion commentators on shows such as T4s Frock Me".

"We love them!" (Thunderbolt and Lightening Brooches)


Rowan says:

Cripes! I first heard of The Broken Hearts when they DJ'd at Craftacular back in 2009.  I've been keeping a beady eye on them ever since because I totally love their fun sense of style - it's certainly KitschenSink approved! I'm super proud that Amber and Nisha have given KitschenSink their seal of approval by wearing these at a gig - they are so big on the fashion scene, it means a lot!"

For more on the Broken Hearts:

Peppermint Candy hosted by the Broken Hearts
Thursday evenings at 6pm on Jazz FM
DAB/Sky Digital 0202/Freesat 729/www.jazzfm.com
More information here

Blog: www.weknowwhatyoudidlastnight.com/thebrokenhearts
Twitter: www.twitter.com/BrokenHeartsDJs
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BrokenHeartsPage
Gig listings: www.myspace.com/2brokenhearts
Tumblr: www.thebrokenhearts.tumblr.com


xoxo

Jewelz on tour! with Hebe Media and Marketing Leeds

Some KitschenSink jewellery and accessories are being used as part of Leeds in Barcelona: A Creative Encounter.

They say:
A collective of Leeds’ creative talent will head to Barcelona this May as Marketing Leeds returns to the Spanish city to promote Leeds’ emerging creative economy and further strengthen the ties between the two cities.
Following on from the success of the original ‘Leeds in Barcelona’ event in 2010, Marketing Leeds is working with Leeds based company Hebe Media and one of Spain’s most influential fashion websites, LeLook, on ‘Leeds in Barcelona - a creative encounter’.  The event, which will take place from 20^th – 22^nd May, is being sponsored by Jet2.com.
The Leeds collective will include fashion designers, musicians and key influencers from the creative sector whose work will be used to showcase the city.  An audience of opinion formers from Barcelona will experience a snapshot of Leeds through a number of fashion shows and performances.

Hebe Media say: 
There are lots of opportunities for the talent involved in this project. There will be buyers, writers, tour-bookers, DJs, producers and others who will attend, so there are some great opportunities for new business and personal relationships to be formed. There will be international press including TV, radio, magazines, newspapers, bloggers, photographers and general opinion leaders who will get their first taste of Leeds during this event.

KitschenSink say:
OMG?! Seriously? 
KitschenSink also say:
I am honoured to be part of this project.  Anyone who knows me knows how into Leeds I am, and how committed I am to their independent scene - be it arts, shopping, bars, coffee houses, music and the rest... to be part of something that's promoting that in super-cool Barcelona... well, wowee!  I am super honoured to be starring alongside James Steward and Dominic Al-Samarraie who have been winning 'Best Local Designer' for a few years at Leeds Retail Therapy Awards, and featuring ICS and Back to Basics... what a recipe for success...


I also had a lot more to say in my video which will no doubt be posted on the Hebe Blog soon, and I'll link to it when it's up!  I met the Hebe guys and everyone else in the project on Monday at the super swanky Malmaison Hotel.  I was questioned several times by the staff  'what are you here for?', how very dare they...!  All the folks involved are really beautiful people (to look at and in spirit) - I wish I was joining them over there, I know it's going to be something really special. I can't wait to see their film and photos!

Keep an eye on the Hebe Media blog for interviews with everyone invovled: Dave Beer of 'Back to Basics' club night is up already :)  I wonder if subtitles will be required for the rest of the planet to understand our Yorkshire accents?

More on this to follow, no doubt!

xoxo 

Living the dream: I am opening a SHOP!

I handed over the papers on Friday and received my business registration certificate the same day!

I am opening a wee, wee, little* shop in April, called Indie Cindy. I'll be based on the first floor in the up-and-coming Birds Yard in Leeds city centre. I am so excited to be part of this.

So at the minute, I am sourcing stock, thinking about displays, and fun events to hold in-store. Ideas always welcome!

I'll still be here, updating you on what's happening behind the scenes at Indie Cindy and what's new with KitschenSink...

And, there's nothing there yet, but why not subscribe now to http://meetindiecindy.blogspot.com/, or become a fan at http://www.facebook.com/meetindiecindy  to receive updates on what Cindy is up to?

Exciting!

xxx

*Start small, dream BIG!

Hello, 2011!

I'm so excited for another year of fun times with friends and family and KitschenSink! Here's a brief overview of my personal and professional goals...

♥ I want to save my money

I need to stop myself from ordering a take-away or buying a dress when that money could go towards a trip!

♥ I want to see more of the world

I'm tempted to see if anyone in NYC wants to do an apartment swap... probably not but worth a try...?

♥ I want to develop my creativity

I've enquired about an Adobe Illustrator course, let's hope there's spaces left! I've also ordered an 'Illustrator for Dummies book'.  I also want to develop my own drawing and illustration skills and journal more.

♥ I hope to continue to think positively

It's not always easy, but I've dumped a lot of negative influences and wear blinkers when I'm with those that I have no choice about being around.  If I'm unhappy about something, I make a change. Sometimes it can't happen over night, but if you don't make an attempt, you have no right to moan!

♥ I'd like to lose a few pounds

Yawnz. The problem is, there's nothing wrong with my self esteem. I'm happy with the way I look. But carrying around extra flabber isn't just about looks, it's about health too. I'm an 'average' dress size - 'average' in an ever expanding obese population, so 'average' isn't really OK. I'm going to do some fun exercise classes wearing harem trousers. Yeah, baby!

♥ I want KitschenSink to be my bigger picture

I'm going to work hard on my business this year. Maximum exposure, big sales, fun times. That is all.


So that's six ideals. They're not SMART objectives. SMARTS are SECRETS!  Eek, I'm so excited about the future!

Have you blogged your goals? Link me up!

xoxo

On the radio, today, 5.30 GMT

Just a quicky!

I'll be on the radio, 106.6 fm (the station is BCB) or you can listen online at http://www.bcbradio.co.uk/

Today (Tuesday 7th December) at 5.30pm GMT.

xoxo

Taking over the world; Step #5 - Re-branding - New business cards!

As part of the re-branding process, of course, I needed new business cards!!

These were designed by the same guy as the website and logo... PJ (check is website here). They double up as swing tags and note cards too... like, totally awesome!

 

Hope you love... I do!!

xoxo

Taking over the world; Step #7 - get a whizz-bang website

Getting a KitschenSink website was on the list of this year's long term goals and it's here! Go have a looksie if you haven't already!

Click here to go to KitschenSink's whizz-bang website!

You may remember I blogged about the re-branding exercise (here), well, that was a step towards the further goal of having a website of our very own.  The re-branding exercise is still on going, and we're looking into business cards that  can also be used as backing cards, stickers, all kinds of super shizz.

The site currently uses Folksy as a shop, but that's temporary. It doesn't seem like a clever idea to pay a subscription for big-cartel in the current climate.

So...? Whaddaya think?? If you like the design and fancy one for yourself go to Kidd81's website.

xoxo

Taking over the world; Step #6 - Open a DaWanda Store

One of the medium term goals for this year was to get a KitschenSink DaWanda Boutique opened.

There's been a lot of good feedback about DaWanda, and there appears to be some great quality items and good uptake on sales. Our stuff is translated into French and German there (it's been fun getting back into speaking French again!) so European KitschenSinkers can enjoy shopping with us a little easier. It's only been open a few days and we have already had sales!

You can find all the usual KitschenSink goodness there, so get stuck in...

Do tell if you have any DaWanda tips!

xoxo

Taking over the world; Step #5 - Re-branding!

Bonjour, my readers!

Well... I have had some professional design work done ahead of this year's markets and what-not.  I have had a new logo designed, together with colour scheme and all that jazz. It's not all ready yet, as you can see my blog still looks exactly the same...

But, to wet your appetite, here's my new logo! Coming soon... my very own website! I sure am excited!

So... do you like?! I'd love to know what you think!

xoxo

Taking over the world step #3 and #4 (inc sneaky peek!)

About time? I haven't done a KitschenSink themed blog in too long!

Taking over the world step #3 'Research and book markets' is well under way. One of my overall goals of the year is 'I'll sell at [x] number of markets' (number omitted, don't want to look like a tit if I don't make it do I?!).

I am pleased to announce that I have been accepted to sell at Designers' Marketplace at The Loft Leeds on Saturday 3rd October. The Designers Marketplace sounds more of a fashion deal that a crafty deal, which is more the vibe I wanted to go for, so I am really pleased about that and really looking forward to it. Do please check out their website, it looks really cool! And the Loft is a very cool venue, so I hope it's a great day! I'll remind you nearer the time to stop by!

I have applied to a couple of other pretty high-profile markets for the summer, but won't give too much away right now. In fact I probably won't if I'm not accepted. Just keep those fingers crossed, eh?

Taking over the world step #4 'Make lots of stock' is also in motion.

Making repeatable stock without compromising on my design features is sometimes pretty hard. I have made runs of pieces in the past that I'm not overly proud of, simply because it appears other crafty businesses seem to do well from it. But we can't all do it, and I don't really want to [flashback, a friend of mine took me round various markets in London one weekend, and we saw the same Octopus necklace over and over and over]. Where's the individuality in buying a charm then hanging it on a chain? With that sort of 'craft', you always get people at markets saying either 'I could make that', or, 'ooh, I could make that!'. These phrases may appear the same, they aren't, and I don't want people to look at my designs and say either. I want them to say 'Wow, that's cool, I'm going to need me one of those right now, because it's amazingly individual and I would never be able to do it myself'.

Without further ado or ramblings, here's some work in progress along this vein...

A rainbow of cameos awaiting their backing and a pin or chain.  These have been cast from resin over the course of a few weeks.

A lot o' lockets awaiting their beads and chains.  These have been layered with resin, cabochons and swarovskis over the course of the last few weeks.

I'm hoping to be back in the week with another KitschenSink tip so stay tuned!

xoxo

Taking over the world #1 update; Step #2; more ViNtAgE hEaRt CoMiC NeCkLaCeS

As I blogged here, my first step to taking over the world was getting the little jobs done that seem to take up so much time on an ad-hoc basis.  Last week I finished up making paper bags and bubble envelopes from fashion magazines.  I love Grazia best. The paper is a matte finish and feels more quality than others, plus the colours and imagery are gorgeous.  I have a few friends who subscribe and pass them onto me when they are done. I'd be lying if I said I didn't read them before I chopped them up!

Bubble envelopes

Paper bags (for markets)

I did consider using old comics for these, but they are quite hard to get hold of and may end up costing me in the long run, which isn't the idea.  Plus, I'm all for being known as a fashion brand more than a craft brand. I want to appeal to funky fashionistas as much as hippies (which you can get a fair bit of at craft fairs)... so I think this covers all eventualities. 

Step #2 of Taking over the world was visiting the Enterprise Show in Leeds last week.  It was OK.  Some of the seminars were really inspiring and I booked onto three of their (Business Link's) courses. I went on one last week about 'Increasing your online presence' which I can highly recommend.  Seems I am doing everything right except I don't have my own website yet... (a later step in the series, and it's underway! I'm so excited about that!).

Last but not least, here are a couple more of the ViNtAgE hEaRt CoMiC NeCkLaCeS I made in the last week.  These aren't going to be listed on Folksy or Etsy (although similar ones are available) because it's high time I sent Paula at Projeto some more stock.

Less of a comic, more a vintage porno, but these kind of images have previously sold very well.  I think it's great to promote sexy images of women with a bit of meat on em.

WhAt MaKeS MeN bLuSh? NeCkLaCe

ThE wRoNg KiNd oF LoVe NeCkLaCe

By the way, are you confused by my use of the word 'aren't'? I only realised on Yorkshire Day last summer that this is a word only really used in our dialect, but I say it alot. These days I am more conscious of it, but it's hard to change!

Fab Saturday xoxo

Taking over the world; Step #1

I've been having a little think about my long term goals ahead of the Leeds Enterprise Show tomorrow.  Cos like... I don't want to show up saying 'Yeah, so. I wanna make nice stuff and sell it'.  To be honest, I probably will say something to that effect.  But I thought it was high time I made some goals for the year and write down some steps to achieving those.

I won't say all my goals here. Mainly because I may wish to change them here and there. And if I don't acheive them I don't want to make myself look like a tit.

What I will tell you about, is each stage to acheiving my goals, and I'll do them one by one.

#1: Get lots of gift boxes, paper bags and envelopes ready (these are all made by hand using recycled magazines, comics and mailouts)

Gift boxes, check

I have turned a whole Beano annual into paper boxes. There's 44 here.  I will probably make another Victor annual into boxes then start on envelopes and bags.  It's kinda boring, but I can do it in front of the TV and when I hang out at friends.

What's the most boring job you have ever done?

xoxo